Essex CC has announced IBM as preferred bidder for its £200m service transformation project. Last year, Essex announced it was looking for a partner to match its ambition to deliver enhanced services and additional capacity. The decision taken to select IBM followed months of in-depth evaluation and meetings, including with unions and the leaders of the political parties. Leader of Essex CC, Lord Hanningfield, said: ‘The people of Essex expect and deserve the best quality of service at the best possible price, and I am determined Essex CC delivers this.'